Abstract: A collection system for body fluids comprising, a receptacle having a collection chamber for retaining the body fluids, a first container having a supply chamber for retaining a bactericide, and a second container having a holding chamber, with the holding chamber being located above a lower portion of the collection chamber, and the supply chamber being located above a lower portion of the holding chamber. The system has a first valve member permitting the passage of bactericide from the supply chamber into the holding chamber, and a second valve member permitting the passage of the bactericide from the holding chamber into the collection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an applicator for the discharge of disinfectant from an aerosol can. The applicator provides an inner and an outer confinement means which permits the discharge of disinfectant from the aerosol can onto a relatively large area being treated.The applicator also comprises an inner confinement adapter which is disposed within the outer confinement means so as to permit a smaller portion of a patient's body to be disinfected. A finger may disposed against the inner confinement apparatus and disinfected appropriately due to the smaller size of the inner confinement means as opposed to the outer confinement means. The flow of disinfectant when the outer confinement means is utilized is not compromised because of the spaced relationship axially between the two confinement rims.

Abstract: A shaft and a connector with a side arm which when assembled comprise a catheter. The connector has an inflation lumen in its side arm and an axial bore through the body of the connector, the inflation lumen and the bore being in fluid communication.The bore has three annular channels therein. Two of the channels are arranged to receive adhesive through the wall of the connector, and the third channel is intermediate the other two is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the side arm. The shaft has a drainage lumen and an inflation lumen therein. A pair of openings to the inflation lumens, are disposed in the shaft, corresponding to two of the channels in the connector.Adhesive injected into the outer channels bonds the shaft to the connector and seals the proximalmost orifice of the inflation lumen in the shaft. The other opening provides fluid communication between the inflation lumen of the shaft and the inflation lumen of the side arm.

Abstract: Medical equipment mounting apparatus with a plurality of pivotally connected members including a first upright member designed for snug upright support of receipt within a standard IV pole hole, or mounting bracket, of a hospital bed. The equipment is releasibly detachable from the mounting means, and the mounting apparatus itself is releasibly detachable from the bed frame to facilitate its easy use at different bed locations. The pivotal connection between the arms enables 180 degrees of movement in either of two directions between some of the arms, so that the medical equipment can be located alongside the bed frame in parallel relationship therewith. The first upright member has couplers at opposite ends of different diameters for mating receipt within pole holes of different diameters. Alternately, the effective diameter of the first member is selectively altered to fit within different sized IV pole mounting holes.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a container having a cavity for collection of urine, and a drainage tube for draining urine from a patient. The urine meter has a receptacle having a chamber, with the drainage tube communicating with an upper portion of the receptacle for passage of urine into the chamber. The urine meter has a conduit of flexible material communicating between an upper portion of the receptacle and an upper portion of the container, with the conduit having a curve from the container to the receptacle, an outer corrugated wall, and an inner smooth wall. The receptacle is releasably supported on a front side of the container.

Abstract: Novel hydrogel compositions, comprised of a blend of two thermoplastic uncrosslinked polymers, one of which is hydrophobic, and the other hydrophilic, and having a microphase separated morphology are described. These hydrogel compositions are useful as devices for controlling the release rate of bioactive agents, such as therapeutic drugs, antimicrobials, contraceptive agents, or the like, in a biological environment. Depending upon the chemical nature of the agent to be released, its rate of release can be controlled by appropriate selection of the polymeric components of the blend and their relative ratios.

Abstract: A tamper discouraging device in a liquid drainage system comprising, an elastic catheter having an elongated shaft, a connector adjacent a proximal end of the catheter, and a drainage lumen extending through a major portion of the catheter and the connector. The device has a hollow drainage tube having a hollow adapter at an upstream end of the drainage tube, with the adapter being received in the catheter connector. The device has a circumferential band being heat shrunk against the catheter over the connector and adapter.

Abstract: A nephrostomy catheter comprising, an elongated shaft having a drainage lumen extending along the shaft and a distal end, and a formed tip bonded to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal opening communicating with the lumen to receive a guide wire.

Abstract: A liquid collection system for collecting and discharging urine from a catheterized patient. A collection bag receives urine through the catheter, and has a drain system therein, which comprises a valve having a bactericide element over which the urine must flow as it is being drained from the bag. The bactericide element is held in an openable cage, so as to permit replacement of the bactericide element as an "as needed" basis. The bactericide disposed within the valve helps prevent retrograde contamination of the liquid collection system.

Abstract: Novel system for incorporating a rubber crosslinking agent in a rubber-based adhesive formulation wherein the crosslinking agent is admixed with the adhesive formulation in a cavity transfer mixer, thereby providing significant manufacturing advantages.Preferably, the crosslinker is incorporated in an oil or plasticizer vehicle.

Abstract: A tamper-evident band for a liquid drainage system comprising an elastic catheter having an elongated shaft, a connector adjacent the proximal end of the catheter, and a drainage lumen extending through a major portion of the catheter and the connector. The tamper-evident band comprises elastomeric annular band of stepped diameter which is fit over the juncture between the connector and the proximal end of the catheter. The band has a slot longitudinally arranged on one outer peripheral portion of the band. It also has a semi-circumferential tear tab disposed on one end thereof. To separate the connector from the proximal end of the catheter, the band must be broken. The tab may be pulled and the band separated along its longitudinal slot. A small ring comprising the remaining stepped portion of the band remains on the adapter after the tab has been pulled, the slot fractured and the top band portion removed.

Abstract: A catheter comprising, an elongated shaft having a drainage lumen extending through the shaft, and a hollow connector removably connected to a proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A fluid sampling chamber assembly for noninvasive sensing of a fluid having a chamber with a sensor wall for acoustic coupling therewith, an apparatus for coupling a transducer of a transducer assembly with the sensor wall, a preapplied acoustic coupling agent and a relatively rigid connector member mounted to the chamber around the sensor wall with a portion around a probe access opening in retentive overlying relationship with the acoustic coupling agent to prevent run off of the coupling agent before use. A cover is releasibly attached to the connector for protectively covering the access opening and sensor location. The cover permits gaseous sterilization of the sensor wall because ribs carried by the releasible attaching means block the releasible attaching means from making a gaseous tight seal with the connector.

Abstract: Novel process for preparing rubber-based compositions, e.g. adhesive formulations including natural and/or synthetic rubber and a quantity of tackifier resin for increasing adhesion, wherein said resin is incorporated in the composition via a cavity transfer mixer.

Abstract: A humidifying device comprising, an annular cylinder, and a heating device for heating an outer surface of the cylinder. The humidifying device has an annular absorptive column disposed against an inner surface of the cylinder, with the column having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The humidifying device has a reservoir containing a sterile liquid, and a conduit connecting the reservoir with the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved fabric for covering dampener rolls comprising a ground yarn utilizing a water shrinkable yarn and a hydrophilic yarn knitted together in the same course of the fabric. The fabric is fashioned into a cylindrical tube and is securely fastened to a roll by thoroughly wetting the tubular fabric and roll in water until the water shrinkable yarn shrinks causing the fabric to tighten down on the roll. When the water shrinkable portion of the ground yarn in the dampener cover shrinks, it does so in a widthwise or circumferential manner, thereby exerting a force upon the surface of the dampener roll, thus securing the dampener cover to the dampener roll. This unique fabric construction permits the hydrophilic yarn to be drawn close together as the water shrinkable yarn shrinks, permitting the fabric to have a substantially smooth surface, thus eliminating patterning of a product made thereby.

Abstract: A blister bandage comprising at least one ply of an aerated latex microsized hydroentangled fabric, having an adhesive disposed on at least one surface of said fabric. The present invention has sufficient hydrophobicity in the fabric to be a barrier to liquid borne bacteria while preserving comfort, air permeability, and flexibility therein. In addition to the above properties, the bandage is sterilizable and will keep the skin beneath the bandage dry.

Abstract: An automatic urinary output monitor including a means for noninvasively determining the specific gravity of urine in a urine collection system including an oscillator with a feedback loop including ultrasonic transducers at opposite sides of a sampling chamber for producing an output signal with a frequency determined by the period of time it takes for a transmitted ultrasonic pulse to travel through the urine sample and to be received and means responsive to the frequency of the output signal for providing an indication of specific gravity of the urine sample.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, an elongated catheter having a lumen, a distal end for placement in a patient, and a proximal end. The system has a retaining assembly comprising, a base plate for placement adjacent the patient, and an upright wall extending substantially peripherally around the base plate and having an opening, with the base plate having an aperture to receive the catheter and an upright retaining member having a groove extending from the aperture to receive the catheter in the groove. The catheter is wound in at least one coil inside the wall and extends toward the wall opening.

Abstract: There is described an improved apparatus for use in medical applications. The invention is adaptable for either disposable or non-disposable use. The apparatus includes a tubing which has a spiral configuration and a "spin-in cuff" or connector with a spiral end which mates with the spiral tubing to form a connection which is secure, substantially fluid leakproof, and yet readily engageable and disengageable. The cuff (or connector) is adapted to interact with existing medical equipment.